DETROIT – Leaders in Michigan’s IT industry came together Nov. 3 at Detroit’s Westin Book Cadillac for the Michigan Council of Women in Technology’s seventh annual Signature Gala. The gala generated $245,000 in net proceeds, which will go toward supporting the nonprofit MCWT Foundation’s mission to encourage women’s interest in technology education and careers.
?This event is a forum to network with leaders in Michigan?s technology community and raise funds for programs that encourage women to consider and advance in the field,? said MCWT President Maru Flores. ?Our supporters and corporate partners understand the need for a diverse workforce to strengthen the state?s IT industry, and they help us expand our reach with every year.?
The event featured remarks from three women impacted by MCWT.
Sheryl Armstrong, MCWT member: ?MCWT was my catalyst for growth. I kept hearing a common thread of the value of a mentor as I attended MCWT events, so I signed up for the mentorship program. My mentor was a perfect match who challenged my way of thinking, stretched my comfort zone and taught me so much about myself. This year, I?m a member of the mentorship committee as well as a mentor myself. I have this opportunity to give back some of the gifts that have been so graciously extended to me.?
Alexis Thompson, senior at University High School in Ferndale. ?I joined my high school Get-IT Team during my sophomore year. My team won first place in the regional competition with our robot, Rob-i-Tar. It looked like a guitar, but played the music notes of a piano and had a built-in musical training program for aspiring artists. Prior to this, I had no experience with robotics and now in my third year I have not only had the opportunity to gain a better knowledge of robotics, computer coding and IT, but I have an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life. The MCWT Foundation has provided me with a strong support system, a hands-on opportunity, and the essential tools that will allow me to make a better future for myself in the tech field. Women play an important role in the world of technology. We are more than just young ladies who are good at math and science; we are innovators, leaders, risk takers.?
Hannah Morris, geographic information systems major at Michigan State University: ?When I applied for MCWT?s scholarship, I knew winning would singularly decide whether I would be able to attend my dream school. MCWT has helped me and so many other young women pursue their dreams. We need more women in these heavily male-dominated programs, and being able to afford them is the first step. I remember in my sophomore year taking a computer programming class, and being one of only five women out of over 100. An investment in our education is an investment in the future of all women in the professional world.?
Area CIOs and senior IT leaders contributed to MCWT?s fundraising total by putting themselves on auction to raise money for programs like scholarships, educational programs, girls? summer IT camps and robotics grants. Attendees bid for a chance to have lunch with executives from General Motors, Ford Motor Co., Chrysler, State of Michigan, Consumers Energy, Quicken Loans, Delphi, GE, Henry Ford Health Systems and Volkswagen.
General Motors sponsored the event with Flores and General Motors? Executive Director of Vehicle Solutions IT Nicholas Bell serving as co-hosts. The evening featured a silent and live auction, dinner, cocktails, and entertainment.
“I would encourage all of you to work within your companies to find ways to deepen your support for MCWT,? said Bell. ?If you are not yet an MCWT partner, find an opportunity that is right for your organization to play a leadership role. At GM, our CIO Randy Mott has committed to work with MCWT to co-host a CIO Leadership Forum that will provide an opportunity for technology leaders in this community to interact with leading national female CIOs to discuss how they are taking their workforce forward in the new information age.”
Among the 30-plus companies supporting the event were Diamond Sponsor Compuware; Emerald Sponsor World Wide Technology; and Platinum Sponsors Oracle, AT&T, Cisco, Ford Motor Co., Fujitsu, General Motors, NetApp, Accenture, and Stefanini.
The Michigan Council of Women in Technology strives to inspire and grow women in technology fields, with an aspirational vision to make Michigan the No. 1 state for women in technology. The organization supports Michigan?s female IT workforce, students, corporate partners, schools and the overall community with networking, learning, mentoring, and technology experiences for professionals and students. Its nonprofit Foundation provides programs and funds supporting the education and orientation of young women throughout school and fostering women in various stages of their professional lives.
